I hadn't listened to Alkaline Trio in quite some time, so when 'Remains' dropped on my doormat it was a rather nice jog down memory lane with a band I've been a fan of for a few years now. While, for me, Alk3 have got steadily worse as their career (and popularity) has progressed, this collection of 22 b-sides, live tracks and various odds and sods reminds everyone just how vital a band this lot are. While collections such as this are never as good as albums because they just don't flow in the same way, 'Remains' is arguably better than 'Crimson' and 'Good Mourning' - making it a must for any Alk3 fan, young or old.
'Hell Yes', 'Jaked On Green beers' and 'Queen of Pain' get the record off to a great start, showcasing both Matt and Dan's vocals and Alk3 at their raw best. While the group have certainly polished up their studio production on recent albums, the cuts here are a lot less polished, meaning the raw edge is a little more reminiscent of their earlier work. As I mentioned earlier, compilations such as this can make difficult listening because there's no flow, so 'Remains' often struggles to get going or labours a little under the weight of exactly how much material is included here. That said, as an odds and sods package, this is one of the best and a must for any Alkaline Trio fan.
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